...So Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah are those who are Salaf in belief (i.e. upon the way of the Salaf in belief), even the late-comer (right) until the Day of Judgement, if he is upon the way of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his companions, then he is a Salafee.

"...There is no doubt, however, that one of them is truly Ahl us-Sunnah - but which one? Is it the Ash'arees, the Maatureedees or the Salafis? Whichever of them agrees with the Sunnah is considered to be Ahl us-Sunnah, whilst whichever of them opposes is not. So we say: The Salaf are Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah, and this description cannot be true for anyone else besides them. Rather Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah are those who hold to what the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and his Companions were upon, and to the 'aqidah of the Salaf - until the Day of Judgement and they are the Salaf."

Also he said:

quote:

"Who are the Ahl ul-Athar? They are the ones who follow the aathaar, they follow the Book and the Sunnah and the sayings of the Companions (radiallaahu 'anhum). And this does not befit any group (firqah) amongst the sects except the Salafiyyeen, those who adhere to the path of the Salaf."